Is MyExcelSkills suitable for absolute beginners?

No, MyExcelSkills assumes some prior experience of Excel and that the user is at least comfortable using a simple function like SUM, referencing cells in a formula etc.

Is MyExcelSkills suitable for my industry/job title?

If you are (or will be) a frequent user of Microsoft Excel and you are serious about improving your capability, yes! The MyExcelSkills course focuses on the core techniques that underpin successful Microsoft Excel use in any business or role. Organizations all over the world require individuals with strong Microsoft Excel skills of exactly the sort taught and tested by MyExcelSkills.

Do I have to start at Level 1?

No, you can start any module at any level. If you find you want to step back a level or skip forward a level, you can do that at any time too.

Will I receive certification to add to my resume?

Yes. Users receive a downloadable PDF certificate for each MyExcelSkills level when they have passed all eight modules at that level or higher. For example, if you pass the Level 1 test for 5 modules but jump straight to Level 2 for the other 3 modules (and pass the Level 2 test for those), you will be eligible for your Level 1 certificate.

How long will it take me to complete the course?

This depends on what works for you! The course topics can be tackled in any order and there is no time limit on completion. We get users who complete Level 3 within hours of signup, and users who chip away at the syllabus over a number of months.

Indicatively, if you started at Level 1 throughout and budgeted half an hour per level per module, you’d be looking at 12 hours in total to complete the course.

What is the reason for the 5-minute time limit for MyExcelSkills tests?

MyExcelSkills is geared towards helping users develop a fluent, confident Microsoft Excel skillset. Part of the challenge for users is to ensure they can quickly choose and implement an appropriate solution for the test they have been set. Users are unlikely to struggle with the 5-minute time limit if they are ready to pass the level they are attempting.

What version of Excel do I need?

If you have Excel 2019 or later, you are good to go. We do cover techniques using functions only available in Excel 2021 and Excel for Microsoft 365 (for example, XLOOKUP, TEXTBEFORE and TEXTAFTER, and dynamic array formulas). However, as an alternative to modern functions like these, you can also pass all our tests using traditional formulas (which we also cover in the learning content).

Can I complete the tests in Google Sheets?

No. The MyExcelSkills course refers to some functionality that is only available in genuine Microsoft Excel. It guides users towards modern functions and modern approaches that may not be available in Google Sheets.

Does the MyExcelSkills syllabus cover macros/VBA?

No. Most Microsoft Excel activity in business does not require macros/VBA. Microsoft Excel is an immensely powerful tool without using macros, and best-practice guidance recommends avoiding them unless absolutely necessary. MyExcelSkills focuses on building effectiveness and consistency in users’ everyday spreadsheet usage.